EXPLINER: Glacier bursts, avalanche collapses … so what exactly happens?

Uttarakhand Glacier Burst: A major accident took place today when a glacier burst near Rishiganga power project in Reni area of ​​Joshimath in Uttarakhand. The incident, which took place in Tapovan area of ​​Chamoli district on Sunday morning, has come as a shock to the local administration. Due to the fall of the glacier, the flow of water increased tremendously and the dam of Rishiganga energy project in the district burst and the water level of Dhaulganga river suddenly increased. This created flood-like conditions in the area. It also hit villages near waterways. About 100 to 150 workers have gone missing after the accident. The bodies of nine of them have been recovered and 16 others have been rescued.

Pieces of ice melting in the Dhaulganga river

Seeing the dullness of the Dhaulganga river, the administration rushed to the spot. Immediately after that, vigilance orders were issued to Devprayag, Karnaprayag, Srinagar, Rishikesh, Alaknanda and other areas. Citizens have been ordered not to go to Alaknanda. The incident took place between Badrinath and Tapovan. Pieces of glacier ice can be seen flowing in the Dhaulganga river.

How are glaciers formed?

At higher elevations, snow accumulates in one place year after year. This ice or frozen water forms a glacier in one place. 99% of glaciers are in the form of ice sheets. These glaciers form after snowfall in the polar region or in very high mountains. Such glaciers are found in many high places in the Himalayas.

What is a glacier?

Gravity or some geological movement causes these ice sheets to burst. Glaciers – The glaciers start falling down from the heights. Global warming often causes glaciers to collapse. The frozen ice crumbles and runs downhill. This is called glacier rupture or glacier rupture. This is called Glacier Outburst.

Transformation of rivers and lakes into glaciers

High altitude rivers and lakes often freeze due to snowfall or a drop in temperature. This stops the flow of rivers. So even a small lake turned into a big glacier. Therefore, a small amount of geological movement increases the chances of the glacier erupting.

What is an avalanche?

It often comes down from the heights with the speed of the storm. At this time, it is difficult to escape from the storm. Accidents have often occurred due to snowstorms on flat areas. This is called avalanche.

What is the danger of a glacier eruption?

Glacier eruptions greatly increase the risk of recurrence. Ice caps in glaciers falling from high altitudes also increase the flow of river water. This can pose a big threat to the villages living along the river.